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Why is there no product placement in comics? It wouldn’t take much of an effort to insert name-brand products into comics and graphic novels.

If a story calls for Tony Stark to drive a car from Point A to Point B, for instance, the writer could easily make the vehicle a specific one. Supplied with videos, photos or sketches, the artist could do the same.

We are talking about professional storytellers, so this kind of adjustment is not beyond their skill set.

As far as I know, there are no legal constraints that prevent product placement in comics. And I’m sure there are advertising and marketing executives who have thought of doing it. If there’s product placement in a movie featuring The Avengers, why not the comic, too?

I can see the argument in favour: Wouldn’t it just add another dimension of realism to all your favourite books? Instead of a generic weapon, why not arm the Punisher with a Glock, or an AR-15?

Real-world products would lend a realistic sheen to the unreal Marvel and DC universes. Why not have a supervillain like Dr. Freeze try to get away from a bank robbery in a recognizable SUV or tank? We live in a world of brands, so wouldn’t this make comics better, more “real?”

Peter Parker could work at The New York Times, not a fictitious publication. Lord knows newspapers could use the exposure. Jimmy Olsen could use a Canon camera when he takes pictures of Superman.

You would think publishers could use the revenue that could be generated in this way. It’s not like the Comics Code Authority has any hold over the Big Two publishers anymore. We’re talking about an industry that is self-censoring. They make up their own rules.

Perhaps this is one of those rare cases where comic creators have taken a stand on principle. Just because they could do it, doesn’t mean they automatically have to sell out.

If that’s the case, what a refreshing decision. That would mean comic artists and illustrators truly stand apart from their colleagues in television, movies and video games. Many fans would appreciate and respect that.